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90

Game Over Online

In Japan, I'm told that there isn't much of a Hollywood for creative minds to go to. So when creative minds get an incredible idea, instead of making a film, they proceed to make a game. That adage plays very strongly in influencing this title. Very cinematic in nature, Shadow of Destiny encourages replaying by offering at least half a dozen endings and the opportunity to travel back in time to fix more pedestrian problems. Its magic and charm is in its problem solving, on the order of the fourth dimension: time. It weaves this often-problematic device so well into the plot that the two are seamlessly meshed together to provide, ceteris paribus, one of the most compelling adventures released this year.

I'll be upfront; Shadow of Destiny is definitely not for everyone. But if you're a fan of Adventure games or are looking for a great story with intriguing puzzles than this is your game. Best of all it takes the graphics of the traditional adventure game to the next level, allowing those with nice graphic cards to test their setup with something other than a First Person Shooter. The puzzles do leave a bit to be desired, but the game's cinematic flare and great characterization keep this game above water and make it definitely worth your gaming dollar. If you've been aching for the next good and proper adventure game then quit reading this and order your copy of Shadow of Destiny.

I expected a longer game. I would have liked it this way partially because the game is too short on one hand and more than half of it on the other hand is represented by cut-scenes. It's more a movie than a game. I can even say it's a piece, a bit of a lifetime, an extended haiku to a game's dimensions.

The graphics are now high resolution and are much crisper and more vibrant than they were on the Playstation 2 version. But, Voodoo 1, Voodoo 2 and Banshee cards are not supported thank you very much. Be aware that there is occasional load time, not a common occurrence in adventure games. The main character is controlled via a combination of keyboard and mouse. I did experience a little difficulty maneuvering him at first, but once I mastered using the mouse and keyboard simultaneously for movement, all was fine. This is a timed game. Unlike games that include timed puzzles for no reason, there is a valid reason for Shadow of Destiny to include real time events.

In sum, Shadow of Destiny is an innovative murder mystery adventure with a very unique story that tackles a number of philosophic questions about life and death and all that lies in between. The game features a very appealing art style in both graphics and sounds as well as cinematic cut scenes that ravel the best of anime storytelling. Playing the game will definitely leave you thinking a lot about the deeper subject matters brought up in the game, which is why this game is worth a few hours of your time and attention.

Whilst some aspects of the game will deter some players, I thought participating in Eike's efforts was particularly satisfying. Whilst they were on a grand scale, they were gentle in their passing, and despite the relentless passage of time, Eike could hasten slowly and not be rushed. Time is fascinating, and has been the source of many entertaining discourses and diversions. Shadow of Destiny is yet another.

Shadow of Destiny, while not the longest adventure game around, still proves to be compelling both with its tight storyline and unique concept of time travel. If you've already played this on the PS2, there's nothing new to see. But if you haven't tried out the PS2 version, then we definitely recommend you check this out.

It's unfortunate, but graphical adventure games, which used to be the most popular kind of computer game around, have been in decline for some years. As such, it may seem ironic that Shadow of Destiny, one of the best PC adventure games to come around in some time, was originally a console game. Then again, most fans of adventure games will likely ignore the irony at this point and just be glad to get their hands on a decent one for their PCs.

At the beginning there are problems with the controls and you miss also a certain amount of interactivity and freedom of movement. But at the latest starting from chapter 5 (of 9 chapters or better said 10), it really becomes exciting and captivating. What seems at the beginning simple and little challenging, later gets nested and more complex. With the numbered endings and the per cent score the developers were out for the gamers to replay the game at least 6 times, until you watched the last video sequences. It's possible to rush through the game within 6 to 7 hours, but it can also take you 20 hours. "Shadow of Memories" has a really good and thought out concept. It is exciting and surprising. I would have wished myself however more interactivity at least up to chapter 5, a better handling and more savegames.

While I had a great time with Shadow of Destiny, it's not a game that I feel everyone will love. Some people will be more put off by the mechanics of the 3D engine than I was, and the length of the game could be a big problem for others. But those that are willing to try out something with a new and interesting concept should definitely give this title a shot.

As insulting as the gameplay is, the storyline should be highly commended. It’s not too often that a narrative in a game is so successfully thought out and executed. Since the storyline is essentially half the game, and the multiple endings work so well, I can’t say I totally disliked this game. Even so, the port issues are inexcusable, so consider yourself forewarned if you plan to try Shadow of Destiny.

If you’re looking for a slightly interactive movie with a decent story, you may like Shadow of Destiny. But I think those easily impressed console gamers need to be exposed to some LucasArts classics like Monkey Island or Grim Fandango to understand what a good adventure game really is.